Yahoo News: Poor oral health may contribute to declines in brain health

A new research study suggests that flossing and brushing your teeth may offer benefits beyond avoiding cavities.

The study found adults who are genetically predisposed to poor oral health may also be more likely to show signs of declining brain health compared to people with healthy teeth and gums. Early intervention and treatment of poor oral health may also lead to brain health benefits, the study found. 

The University of Cincinnati's Joseph Broderick, MD, was not involved in the study, but commented in a Yahoo News article. He said it is important to note the study did not find that improving dental hygiene directly improves brain health, but the results are "intriguing" and should lead to further research.

"Environmental factors such as smoking and health conditions such as diabetes are much stronger risk factors for poor oral health than any genetic marker except for rare genetic conditions associated with poor oral health, such as defective or missing enamel," said Broderick, professor in UC’s Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine in the College of Medicine, director of the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and a UC Health physician. "It is still good advice to pay attention to oral hygiene and health. However, since people with poor brain health are likely to be less attentive to good oral health compared to those with normal brain health, it is impossible to prove cause and effect."

Read the Yahoo News story.

Featured photo at top courtesy of Unsplash.